In Elten since 1637, on the market square since 1798.

The Wanders family has called Elten home for almost 400 years. Since 1798 the house has stood in its present form on the Eltener Markt, welcoming travellers and guests from the region. Today Bettina and Theo Wanders, the seventh generation, run the hotel.

1637: First recorded as residents in the Elten registers
1798: Built in its present form on the market square
1993: Added to Emmerich’s list of historic monuments; restored by Easter 1994
7th: Generation – today: Bettina and Theo Wanders

Timeline

Seven generations, one house.

1637 Arrived
Since 1637 the Wanders family has been recorded as residents in the Elten registers. Theodorus Wanders came from Aerdt, Henricus Wanders from Grieth or Griethausen. What brought them to Elten has not been handed down. What is certain: the family stayed – and made its home here.
1663 Drawn by Doomer
Theodorus farmed and traded in grain; travellers were also given food and lodging. In 1663 Rembrandt’s pupil Lambert Doomer drew Klosterstraße in Niederelten – the Wanders family’s farmstead at the time can be seen in it, too. The original is now in the Louvre in Paris; a reproduction adorns the tiles of our fireplace.
1798 Built anew
The present building on the market square was constructed in 1798. Previously, a barn and an inn stood on this site.
1960s Converted
The cow and horse stables became a dance hall, and the threshing floor was turned into hotel rooms – today our Economy rooms. Since then, weddings, family celebrations and many other occasions have taken place here.
1993 Taken over and restored
Time and again over the generations, it was a Theodor or a Wilhelm Wanders who ran the family business. In 1993 Theo Wanders took over the business from his parents, Wilhelm and Caroline. In the same year the building was listed as a historic monument and then restored with great expertise and attention to detail. Among the features preserved are the terrazzo floor in the entrance hall and the stucco ceiling.
Today The story continues
Today Bettina and Theo Wanders, the seventh generation, run the hotel. And so Wanders remains a place where history is not only preserved but lived every day.